The Ambulatory EEG is a long recording that gives important information about how your brain works. At the Michigan Brain and Spine Surgery Center, we perform 72 hours of continuous brain wave monitoring, which can help to detect epilepsy, brain tumors, cerebral palsy, and several other diseases of the brain. This test can also help find the causes of problems such as seizures, headaches, dizziness and blackouts.
During the examination, the patient’s head will be measured and marked with a skin marking pencil. The marks will then be prepped with skin prepping soap. About 26 electrodes will be filled with a conductive paste and placed on the patient’s scalp. EEG wires are attached to the face and scalp. The standard full EEG set up is called a ‘double banana’, called because the 26 leads are arranged in two banana shapes. The patient’s head is then wrapped to protect the electrodes and help with a more accurate test result. The patient will wear the electrodes and leads at home for the duration of the testing. These electrodes will be placed in a pouch that the patient will keep with them until the end of the study.
For more information about Ambulatory Electroencephalography or to schedule an appointment with the Michigan Brain and Spine Surgery Center, please call 248-723-2477.